Duale's warning shot to quacks

Aden Duale Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health speaking during the official inauguration of the benefits package and tarrifs advisory panel at Afya House on 26th May 2025.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to unlicensed pharmacists and individuals posing as doctors, cautioning them against dispensing medical services.

Speaking in Nakuru earlier this week, Duale said some individuals are masquerading as professionals, an illegal practice.

He further urged pharmacists to ensure they only sell drugs approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

"If you are not a pharmacist, you will not dispense drugs. If you did not go to school and you are posing as a doctor, your days are numbered. Furthermore, all drugs being dispensed should pass through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board,' said Duale.

His remarks come amid demands by pharmacists calling for a clampdown on quacks and protection for both the industry and the public.

Bed Sharing
Duale also cautioned hospitals against admitting more patients than the number of available beds, noting that no patient should be forced to share a bed or sleep on the floor. In case of a shortage, he said, facilities must acquire more beds.

He added that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will not cover expenses for patients admitted without proper bed space.

"Moving forward, there will be no bed sharing or patients lying on the floor. I want to urge all of you to refuse such. We will protect the dignity of the patients going forward. And if a hospital does not have enough space, it either procures more beds or builds another ward."

Following the Health CS's directive, hospitals have begun enforcing the government's order against the over-admission of patients.

A letter seen by The Standard reveals that Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has instructed staff to limit admissions strictly to the facility's bed capacity.

KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer William Sigilai said staff must now admit patients per the maximum capacity approved by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.